Due to the University of Idaho transitioning to an online setting, the entire campus has gone through massive changes including the need for physically demanding classes like Physical Ed – Activity Courses (PEB) to adapt.
Taking courses to a virtual setting mid-semester has a big effect on classes that rely on physical participation.
What is the fate of PEB programs?
In the online shift, not all classes are being suspended. The ones that will be canceled require on-campus facilities or equipment, Administrative Coordinator Elizabeth Kang said. These programs include golf, table tennis, wall climbing, archery, volleyball, basketball and soccer.
All remaining classes are being moved online. These classes include PEB 106 02, Individual & Dual Sports, which is a one credit pass/fail course requiring two hours of work. These courses include yoga, conditioning and others.
PEB 106 02 courses can be completed anywhere and are based on individual physical engagement, where students can select the time and place that works for their personal situation. In addition to these classes, PEB is now offering walking, jogging and cycling courses, Kang said.
These classes only require a device capable of accessing the internet. Blackboard Learn and Zoom will be required and are available to all UI students. Some classes will require other technology like Strava, a program with unique technology requirements specific to the class, Kang said.
In terms of fees, the same PE Program fee will be applied to all PEB 106, 1-7 and 108 classes. This is necessary because the program is self-supported by the fees. PEB courses offered in the second half of the Spring 2020 semester will not have an additional special lab and course fee. In-person classes moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic will not be charged a web fee, Kang said.
Starting in Summer 2020, PEB Physical Activity Program will be renamed to I-Fit. This activity program will continue to provide high-quality classes for Vandals of all physical activity, fitness and skill levels, Kang said. I-FIT courses are listed for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 and are not affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emily Pearce can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Emily_A_Pearce.